salmonoid wrote:
Geez - that kind of sounds like what most businesses have faced the past few years too, eh? How sad that the education world is feeling economic reality too.. Our local newspaper ran a front page story crying the blues of half a dozen school district employees being laid off, and wage freezes seem to garner front page attention too. I looked for an article when we laid people off from our company but I guess I missed it; maybe it was on the same page about wage stagnation in the business world? Having worked in education for eight years, I'd say schools should have some business owners acting as superintendents; cut out some of the bloat, reduce costs, and improve results.. For starters, consolidate the number of school districts in the state and eliminate all those redundant administrative positions.. I'm not education-bashing per-se; just saying that the environment you describe is what the business world has been struggling through the past few years. I think education is seeing a lag effect from the recession's affect.
Some good points, but I will point out that public schools are not, and should not, be run as financially profitable organizations. Our tax dollars are used to provide a service to community, so I understand that there are obvious fiscal consequences of economic downfall. However, we should not expect a reduction in the quality of these services, despite the economy. I for one, do not want my daughter's education to suffer because she had to come through during economic duress. Yes, there are some places that cuts could be made in public schools, but there are also a heck of a lot of places in public schools that could use more resources. I think we see public education in the news for a few reasons. Number one, everybody has a vested interest as we all pay taxes (ehhhhh.... most of us). Secondly, it sells, because it gives people something to complain about. As for cutting programs like music, art, etc..., IMO this has more to do with the increased focus on standardized testing than it does economy. Many "at risk" schools across the country started cutting these programs soon after NCLB (No Child Left Behind) was passed by George W. Ironically, almost all of the schools that cut these programs ultimately score lower on standardized test scores than before they cut said programs. As for performance, and increasing it, I guess that is a matter of perspective. If you believe that standardized test scores are a good measure or predictor of intelligence or success, then schools are on the right track, I guess. I for one think that schools should focus on preparing kids to make positive contributions to society. Whether that means continuing on to college, becoming a carpenter, becoming a farmer, etc... I just think that every kid is individual and more than a test score. And those who say the U.S. is falling behind in education should be reminded that we are one of the only countries in the world who educates every student. So when we compare test scores to those of students in India and Japan, we are comparing apples to Oranges, that is, their top students to 100% of our students. Those countries don't educate handicapped or special needs students in a public system. I agree that some districts could and should be consolidated. Anyway, I guess it all comes down to perspective, and how much you value education. I think it is worth the investment.
Sorry to rant... :roll:
I think FFing would be awesome for a club in schools, although I'm not sure it qualifies as physical education.
